which engine for 280 sundancer

[bigblockcutlass]

Years ago the 5.0 chevy had almost the same power as the 4.3. The 5.0 wieght is more for almost no power increase. So hence, either get the 4.3 or 5.7. the 5.0 your just hulling around more wieght. In my 270 I got now, I found the 7.4 and the twin 4.3's. Last boat was a single 7.4 and I was in places, if that thing quit. I would have been scewed. So I bought the 4.3's, wieght is 400 pounds more than one 7.4 with about 20 more horse (maybe). I burn probably more gas for the same performance. Gained docking and saftey. One other thing I gained was draft. With the two drives up higher, This thing goes in places I have trouble with the single.

 

[ZZ13]

Re: twin 4.3 for 280

I've read and searched but can't seem to find a really clear answer on this. I'm looking at my first "larger" boat. I've always had 20 foot or less runabouts and have lots of boating experience but never with these larger boats. The used boat I'm looking at is the searay sundancer 280 with twin 4.3L MPI. They are not the bravo 3 they just have a regular prop on each outdrive.

My question is are these the best option? What would be the ideal engine if this is not the best. And maybe some info on what I could expect from a fuel usage?

Thanks

For what its worth, I have a couple of comments based on my own experiences and reading this site. Boat purchase can rapidly degrade to paralysis by analysis. I recommend listing the key things that are important to you and buy based on that. The rest is just what you get. For me it was price, cabin layout/size, cruising performance and engine room accessibility (doing most my own maintenance on the engines and cabin systems). I bought based on those. Boat color, number of engines, V-drive or stern drive, navigation electronics, audio/visual just ended up being what they were. Would I have loved V-drive over stern? Sure, especially since I plan to go to salt water in two years. But I couldn't afford the price jump to the 340 (320 didn't pass the engine compartment test) and I like going fast. So, for far less I have saved for replacement seacore bravo III drives when these crap out.

 

[Henry Boyd]

Re: twin 4.3 for 280

I've read and searched but can't seem to find a really clear answer on this. I'm looking at my first "larger" boat. I've always had 20 foot or less runabouts and have lots of boating experience but never with these larger boats. The used boat I'm looking at is the searay sundancer 280 with twin 4.3L MPI. They are not the bravo 3 they just have a regular prop on each outdrive.

My question is are these the best option? What would be the ideal engine if this is not the best. And maybe some info on what I could expect from a fuel usage?

Thanks

You really stepped into a contentious issue with your first post. The diplomatic response is that there is no 'best' choice, just the right choice for you. The general consensus is that each package has advantages and disadvantages. And that means the only one who can determine what combination works best is you. So drive the boat and see if you like it.

Henry

 

[CV-23]

If the 280 has a 10.5' Beam.....I'd go twins. 100 gallons of fuel is not much for twins....my 454 empties it pretty fast. I'd go twins in a 300DA for sure, Mike.